KP Assembly expresses concern over Middle East tensions

Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Wednesday voiced concern over the worsening situation in the Middle East and called on the international community to take an active role in helping restore peace in the region.

The sitting was chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and held at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, where treasury lawmakers moved a number of resolutions that were later approved by the House.

Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam tabled a resolution on the regional crisis, drawing attention to what he described as the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, with particular concern over tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Speaking in the assembly, he condemned what he called aggression against Iran and said the conflict had led to the deaths of more than 100 senior leaders, including Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Resolutions on Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi

Another resolution, moved by Dr Hameed, dealt with the legal cases involving former prime minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. The assembly expressed concern over what it termed unnecessary and prolonged delays in the proceedings, saying such delays were contrary to Article 10-A of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial.

The resolution urged the Supreme Court and the Islamabad High Court to take up the cases on a priority basis and hold daily hearings so that the matters could be decided without further delay.

The House also adopted a separate resolution calling for the immediate provision of adequate medical facilities to Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, saying access to healthcare is a basic right.

Remarks on transparency and governance

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information Shafi Jan said the session gave the public an opportunity to directly observe the work of their elected representatives, which he described as an important move for transparency and public engagement.

During his speech, Shafi Jan also criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party, saying that despite governing Sindh for 17 years, the province was still facing problems in governance, healthcare, education and infrastructure. Referring to a Transparency International report, he said corruption stood at 46 per cent in Sindh and 39 per cent in Punjab.

Inflation and fuel prices also discussed

The assembly also discussed inflation, particularly the rise in petroleum prices. A resolution presented by MPA Dr Amjad criticised the federal government over its handling of fuel prices, saying the increase had placed a heavy burden on the public and had significantly worsened the cost-of-living crisis.

The session ended with a broader call from the House for urgent steps to address domestic economic pressures as well as international conflicts. The assembly urged the international community to play an active role in restoring peace in the region.

The resolutions adopted during the sitting reflected concerns raised by treasury members on regional instability, court proceedings involving Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, access to medical care, and the impact of inflation on the public.